Ban On Hand-Held Devices Now Ontario Law

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Ban On Hand-Held Devices Now Ontario Law

It's now the law - the use of hand-held cell phones and other wireless devices while driving is prohibited in Ontario.

The new distracted driving law makes it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communications and entertainment devices. Hands-free use of these devices will still be permitted.

Today marks the beginning of a three-month period that will focus on educating drivers about Ontario's new road rules for hand-held wireless communication and entertainment devices. Following the education period, police will begin issuing tickets on February 1, 2010, with fines of up to $500.

Police, paramedics and firefighters, as well as some commercial drivers and public service workers may continue to use certain hand-held devices when performing their duties. All drivers may use hand-held devices to call 9-1-1.

Quick Facts

Ontario joins more than 50 countries worldwide and a growing number of North American jurisdictions that have similar distracted driving legislation including Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, California and New York.

Studies show that a driver using a cell phone is four times more likely to be in a crash than a driver focused on the road. Dialing and texting carry the highest degree of risk of all cell phone-related activities.

Quotes

“Drivers cannot talk, text or dial using a hand-held device under the law starting today. This change will make Ontario's roads safer.”

Jim Bradley

Minister of Transportation

“Driving while distracted puts everyone's safety at risk. Ontario's tough new legislation against distracted driving will make those who endanger their lives and ours on the roads pay dearly for their recklessness.”

Rick Bartolucci

Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister

“Distracted drivers, including those using hand held devices, are a serious threat to public safety on our highways. This new legislation will provide the Ontario Provincial Police with another tool to save lives and prevent injuries.”